1:10 Touring

[loaba 17]

I just decided to take the plunge into onroad racing via a used Yokomo BD8 (with several mods AND omissions.) I'm racing 21.5 to start with and, as I grow more comfortable with the class, I'll eventually want to build a new kit from the ground up (no mods and no omissions.)

The way it is now, with the car I currently have or even with Associated, parts are just not available. If I'm going have to source my own parts, then I see zero reason why Tamiya shouldn't be one of my considerations. Problem is navigating through the myriad of options that Tmiya has to offer and that's why I'm here. Price point is $400.00 (or so) - what's in that price-range and how does it compare to the BD8?

Thanks in advance!

Jon

[KEV THE REV 2437]

...Bother", said Pooh, as he hid Piglet's corpse. -  classic .

 

The chassis looks cool too

[Jonathon Gillham 4703]

At $400 then you are really looking at the TA07 or TB05 cars, the TRF419 is a bit more. In saying that I saw a TRF419X on sale locally for NZ$499 which is about US$300, so you may get lucky. MAP pricing for the TRF419 is around US$900 though I think. Try RCJaz, RCMart etc and you may get lucky.

The TA07R is probably the best bet at this price point thats available now, but the TA07MS has been announced but not yet launched. No idea how much that will be but its full carbon double deck chassis so would be my first pick.

The TB05 is only available in Pro form at the moment and that will need upgrades. 

[loaba 17]

31 minutes ago, KEV THE REV said:

...Bother", said Pooh, as he hid Piglet's corpse. -  classic .

 

The chassis looks cool too

Pooh rocks, just say'n. The Yokomo is a really nice car, but it's not "my" choice.

24 minutes ago, Jonathon Gillham said:

At $400 then you are really looking at the TA07 or TB05 cars, the TRF419 is a bit more. In saying that I saw a TRF419X on sale locally for NZ$499 which is about US$300, so you may get lucky. MAP pricing for the TRF419 is around US$900 though I think. Try RCJaz, RCMart etc and you may get lucky.

The TA07R is probably the best bet at this price point thats available now, but the TA07MS has been announced but not yet launched. No idea how much that will be but its full carbon double deck chassis so would be my first pick.

The TB05 is only available in Pro form at the moment and that will need upgrades. 

I did see the TRF419x and I did fall out of my chair at the 1k price-point. I'll check out the TA-07.

 

EDIT: okay - the TA07 really doesn't compare to either the TRF419x or the BD8. That makes me sad, cause the Tamiya is just too much (I could see 500, but not 1k.) :-(

[Jonathon Gillham 4703]

2 hours ago, loaba said:

I did see the TRF419x and I did fall out of my chair at the 1k price-point. I'll check out the TA-07.

 

EDIT: okay - the TA07 really doesn't compare to either the TRF419x or the BD8. That makes me sad, cause the Tamiya is just too much (I could see 500, but not 1k.) :-(

The TA07R is closer as it has the TRF big bore dampers, carbon damper stays, aluminium pulleys, steering etc etc.  Its still the TA07 with a bunch of hop ups though.  The MS has the carbon deck and is very close to the TRF cars.  No idea what it will cost, it has been used in race meets but not officially launched yet.

 

I run a TA07 Pro with some upgrades which I've found necessary.

Carbon fibre stiffeners, carbon centre stiffener - these are essential for my track as the standard car is so flexible.

TRF418 swaybar set - essential tuning aid

Alloy servo mount, aluminum counter pulley - stock parts were "ok" but these are an improvement.

I got lucky and got a bunch of those hopups half price from someone selling their TA07, but I would be in for about NZD$500 if I had paid retail, I think I've spent about NZD$400 so far on my TA07 Pro and it now is competitive with all the others in the 21.5T blinky class, other than I'm driving it so it still comes at the back.  That NZD$400 doesn't include bodies, tyres, electronics etc, just the car kit and hopups.

TA07MS - pic from google so it may not be 100% accurate but you get the idea.  It matches the descriptions I've read though.

[loaba 17]

Thanks for all the info! These cars (any of 'em) are not cheap. X-ray T4 is $600.00 new, BD9 will be $530.00. Associated (ugh) TC7.2 is $450.00. I mention these cars because based on what you've spent on your TA07, that just seems to be how it goes.

I'll be in the BD8 for awhile yet, but I'll definitely look at sourcing/upgrading a TA07 pro or mf. Just seems like Tamiya and onroad racing would be a natural fit. Kinda bummed you either have to send stupid money (900+) for TRF kit or DIY a "lesser" kit...

[qatmix 886]

New kits like the BD9 etc are all more RRP than $500 although they usually come in for less at actual retail. (TRF 419X was $489 at RC mart). The TA07ms will be a simmilar price when on the streets. The TB evo 7 is only $439 atm at RC mart. Never take the actual RRP as the retail cost. 

I would suggest you just play with the BD8 for now. Get used to racing 21.5 and then when you are happy that you dont clip the edges look to buy a TRF etc if you want. None of these top chassis provide a real advantage over the other, although they all do have their own idiosyncrasies. I run Tamiya as I enjoy winning with the blue car, but its no better than an Xray etc. 

If you are interested in Touring cars, (Especially TRF's etc) feel free to check out my Website www.TheRcRacer.com and the facebook page.